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The Giver Keeps On Giving At San Diego Comic Con

Joseph Schmidt writes,

Lois Lowry's seminal young adult novel is one of the few dystopian stories yet to hit the screen, but The Giver  is finally hitting movie theaters in a few short weeks. It was hosted by Anthony Breznican of Entertainment Weekly, who introduced Lowry to thunderous applause.

The author was joined on stage by producer Nikki Silver and stars Brenton Thwaites, Odeya Rush and Jeff Bridges, who plays the titular Giver.

Phillip Noyce, the film's director, opened with a taped announcement in which he thanked the fans for attending this panel. He then introduced an extended clip that set the stage for the film, starting in black-and-white.

By the end, the visuals transformed into bright colors showcasing the action and setting the stage for the film's main conflict of conformity versus identity.

Bridges and Lowry spoke of their long journey trying to get the film made, including the original version where Jeff would direct his father, Lloyd Bridges.

Lowry also discussed the challenges her story has seen over the years, including a time on the 'banned books' list. She said she wanted to include those powerful scenes that are often debated, including ones where a baby is put to death.

"These are people who care about their children and want to protect their children," Lowry said of the villains in the book, and said they are not unlike those that have tried to get rid of the book.

Things got a bit frisky when Thwaites put his hands on Bridges, who snapped, "Don't touch me!"

Thwaites, sitting between Lowry and Bridges, got red as Lowry said slyly "He can touch me all he wants." OOooh, get it, girl. Newbery winners need lovin', too.

When asked if there would be a sequel, Lowry said she wasn't planning on it but she didn't say no. She wants to see the response the film gets.

Despite the dystopian setting, producer Silver said the set was quite jovial. There were jam sessions with the cast, including Bridges and co-star Taylor Swift, where they would play music with each other.

At first, Lowry was concerned at the older ages of the main cast, and that they are depicted as teenagers instead of kids. And then she saw the first few clips of them on set and was sold.

Bridges said he would constantly reference the book for his scenes as a source of preparation. When asked to give advice about breaking into the industry, Bridges gave an anecdote of him and his brother Beau staging fistfights in grocery store parking lots. "Make your own!" he said.

Lowry said the best films and books raise questions instead of beating you over the head with a meaning. "I don't feel as though it's my role to provide answers, but I think it's exhilarating to provide questions."

The panel then discussed filming logistics and replacing the kids with teens, which was mostly due to the production restrictions and child labor laws with young actors. This then lead to a story of many parents' volunteering their babies for filming and the massive amount of babies they had on set.

"Meryl Streep suggested we add 'No babies were harmed in the making of this film,' at the end of the movie," Silver added.

The panel wrapped shortly after to many applause and the panel members quickly scurried.

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